Does anyone know if a 1982 FLT chain enclosure will fit on a 1980 FLT? If modifications are needed, what will I need to do to make this work? I would greatly appreciate some help!

 

I have to say yes from FLT to FLT. Here is the part # to use for referance. The
number is 25403-79 and is called chain cover assy.

 

Thanks for your help!

 

There is a difference between early FLT and late FLT models. If I remember right the sprocket and chain housing are different and you may need the associated parts to make the swap.

 

Thanks for the input. How "late" is a "late" model from a 1980 model? Are you referring to the 83 and 84 models?

 

I don't have the parts manual for the FLT but I do have some service bulletins and Service Seminar Notes. They make references to some changes in the seals.

The notes from 82 make reference to a wheel bearing safety recall that made several changes to the rear sprocket configuration on 1980 models. "In addition to the remachined sprocket assembly, the seal in the housing was changed. This two-piece Teflon braided seal with rubber backing was also used on 1981 models. All 1980 & 1981 FLT's should have this type of seal. The 25410-79A spacer (one piece) should be used with rope seal (Early 81 & 80)."

The Service bulletin M-837 October 2, 1981 "Rear Sprocket Housing-The 1982 rear sprocket housing has a one-piece seal. Since the groove in the housing has been changed, this seal cannot be used on 1980 or 1981 models. See the 1982 FLT/FXR Service manual for proper servicing procedures."

 

Very complicated section of the original FLTs. According to the parts manual the housing did change in 82. It went from a 25403-79 to a 25403-82. The seals changed as well and may explain the need for a different housing. The bearing arrangement also changed in 82 and in 81 the rear sprocket changed from a 48 tooth to a 46 tooth. Everything else that has to do with the housing (swingarm, brackets, rubber boots, and the spacer plate 25410-79A) remained the same. And this spacer plate has nothing to do with the seal; it’s on the other side of the housing.

I have an 82 FLT that came with a 46 tooth sprocket (and housing) and have run a 48 tooth sprocket in it. I also have an additional 48 tooth set up (sprocket, bearings, housing) that I think came from an earlier FLT. I have no way of verifying this because the housings have no part numbers on them. I’ve cleaned them both for powder coat and never came across a part number. The reason I think this assembly is from and earlier FLT is because of the bearing setup inside the sprocket. It had a double conical style bearing in it where the later type only had a single conical bearing. The bearing discussion we’ll save for another day because your question was about the housings.

As far as the housings, the only difference I could find in them is the location of the fill to holes. The 48 tooth sprocket is larger so the hole is located lower then the 46 tooth sprocket. Both seal grooves were .188 wide but I did not measure the depths, which may be where they made the changes. I would do it now but one (the 82) is on the bike. I checked both the seal shoulder diameters of my spare 46 and 48 tooth sprockets and they both measure out to 4.280. If yours measures the same, which I’m pretty sure it will, it should work. James Gaskets makes a seal they advertise to fit 1982 – 1990 FLT and FXRT and its part number is JGI-25414-82-DL. It is designed to fit a housing groove of 0.188. I’m not 100% sure these things were around until 1990 but who cares, we need them for 1982 models. Your seal groove in the housing should measure .188 wide.

If everything measures the same, you are good to go and are actually better off because of seal availability. Make sure the seal surface on the sprocket is OK or all this will be a waste of time. Replacement 48 tooth sprockets are still available but getting pricey and the 46 tooth sprockets are very hard to find. I would also recommend a tube of Hondabond to seal the rest of the housing and all its nuts and bolts. If you’ve never done this before, be patient it - it will try your patience, but once you crack the code, its easy. Way more work involved then a modern bike setup but not too bad at all.

 

The 1982 wheel and enclosure fell through. I have since located a rear wheel and enclosure for a 1983 FXRT. Will this complete setup work on my 1980 FLT?

 

My hunch is yes……but that is only a hunch. The seal list that it fits both FLTs and FXRTs from 82 up which would lead me to believe the parts are interchangeable. My parts book only addresses the FLT though. Can you take some pictures and post them? Also check the measurements I listed above. And if it’s a complete wheel that’s better for you again! Besides the availability of the seal, you should get the proper bearing configuration inside it. Good luck.

 

NO,The rear sprockets are not the same.One has 46 teeth and the other has 48 !